Ben Cousins, the controversial West Coast Eagles icon, is set to take on a brand-new arena, far removed from the Australian Football League fields where he once dazzled fans.
This time, Cousins will be showcasing his moves on the dance floor in the upcoming season of Channel 7’s “Dancing with the Stars”.
Known for his exceptional athletic prowess, Cousins admits to having no prior experience with dancing, making his participation in the show a leap into the unknown.
At 45, Cousins has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and new challenges, enrolling in a dance crash course that covers everything from the cha-cha to the rumba. This new venture comes as part of a broader transformation for Cousins, who has been rebuilding his life and public image following well-documented personal struggles.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Cousins shared insights into his preparation for the show and his perspective on taking on such a vastly different challenge.
“It’s good timing I suppose, in a position to probably take on some new challenges and in a good space,”
Cousins remarked, acknowledging the hard work and dedication required to succeed on the dance floor.
Cousins’ journey from AFL stardom to facing significant personal and legal challenges has been widely followed by the Australian public. His efforts to turn his life around have included taking on roles at 7NEWS Perth, where he has been involved in reading morning bulletins, providing football analysis, and conducting interviews.
This return to the public eye has been met with support from fans and colleagues alike, impressed by his commitment to change and growth.
The decision to join “Dancing with the Stars” aligns with Cousins’ ongoing journey of self-improvement and reconnection with his community and family. Siobhan Power, a renowned dancer, will be partnering with Cousins, guiding him through the intricacies of competitive dancing. The pair are already dedicating long hours to practice, with Cousins expressing admiration for the skill and discipline required for dance.
This year’s “Dancing with the Stars” promises to be an exciting season, with Cousins being the first celebrity confirmed to participate.
The show will also see changes in its hosting and judging panels, with Dr. Chris Brown and Sonia Kruger set to co-host, and a shake-up in the judging lineup hinted at by the departure of Todd McKenney due to other commitments.
Best paired with a certain MKR contestant with a side of court appearance notice 😜
Get over it , he’s trying to turn his life around.
I hope this is the start of a new chapter in his life .